Google have added a bunch of features to their chat client, most noticeably the fact that you can now use an image avatar. Which is fine — I am digitally represented by a Superman-esque image which I think MS packaged in an earlier version of MSN messenger — but it may well run the risk of becoming bloatware, as ICQ did. I mean, if you’re going to add a feature – add the ability to have add multiple particpants to one chat, or conference voice calls – don’t add pointless cutesy crap.

But I guess the heaviest consumers of IM are teenagers, and they probably like that stuff. Any teenagers who read this blog that would care to comment?

Doubt it. The youth of today – apathetic as hell :P